Flashing Drivers on the Road in Idaho Could Lead to Steep Fines and Death

We have all done it at one time or another. You are driving down a dark road with no lights, you turn your bright lights on to help you see, and a car approaches, without you realizing you have them on. It is easy to forget that your high beams are on from time to time, but when cars are approaching it is best to turn them off. This is out of courtesy to your fellow drivers, as well as it is to protect you and them. This isn't news to anyone, but lately many in the Magic Valley have been driving with their high beams on and leaving them on as they go down the road, passing car by car. Not only is leaving your high beams on dangerous for you and other drivers, but if officers catch you, it could lead to a steep punishment.

Driving With High Beams in Idaho

Lately, it appears that few drivers in the Magic Valley desire to turn off their high beams while other cars are approaching. There have been many complaints about being unable to see when going down the highway or back country roads because other drivers are blinding them with their lights. It isn't hard to flick the switch to normal headlights when a car is approaching and then to flick them back on to high beams after the car has passed, yet drivers are unwilling to do this simple task and are putting everyone at risk. While it is a general rule of the road and a courtesy to do so, it is also the law. What is the Idaho law when it comes to high beams and what could it cost you if you fail to go down to normal lights when cars are passing? 

Punishment for Driving with High Beams in Idaho

Driving with your high beams on could lead to death for other drivers. If they can't see, they may steer off the road, or into oncoming traffic, putting multiple drivers at risk. While that is an extreme case, it can and does happen. In terms of officers seeing those unwilling to turn down their high beams, if caught, a fine could result in the amount anywhere from $10 to $141.50. What does Idaho law say though about when to turn the beams down and to turn them back on? According to Idaho law, you must turn your beams down within 500 feet of oncoming traffic, and only after the car has passed can you turn them back up. Also, if you are behind a vehicle, you must turn them down if you are within 200 feet of the car in front of you, and can only turn them back up once the vehicle has been passed. You can read the full law by clicking the link. 

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Stop being lazy behind the wheel, and start turning those high beams down as cars approach. It is for your safety, and their safety, and will save you money as well. It doesn't take much and it makes the roads much safer. From time to time we all forget, but don't let it become a habit and stop driving with the high beams on at all times, especially when cars are coming towards you.